How to Personalize a Letter Board with Alu Letters
By Design Letters – Design Letters EUR | Published: 2026-10-27
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to create a custom message board using Arne Jacobsen-inspired Alu Letters. Step-by-step guide for a clean, personalized sign.
Quick answer
To personalize a letter board with Alu Letters, choose your board size, select the Alu Letter set that fits, arrange your message, and press each letter into the board's grooves.
Why Alu Letters stand out
Alu Letters are laser-cut from aluminum using Arne Jacobsen's original 1937 typography. This gives each letter a precise, vintage shape that standard plastic letters can't match. The metal finish also holds up outdoors, so your message board can live on a porch or in a garden without fading or warping.
Letter size matters
The Alu Letter 50mm (Black) is sold individually, making it ideal for short words or a monogram. If you want a full sentence or multiple lines, the Small letters and numbers (1.9 cm) or Large letters and numbers (5 cm) packages give you 132–159 pieces per set. Choose small letters for a dense, graphic look on a medium board; go large for bold statements on a big board.
Steps to personalize your letter board
- 1. Choose your board and letters: Select a letter board that matches your space. Then pick your letter set: individual Alu Letters for a short word, or a package (Small or Large) for longer messages. Make sure the letter height fits the board's groove spacing. Check the board's groove depth before buying—some thin boards may not hold the 5 cm letters securely.
- 2. Plan your message layout: Write out your message and count the letters. For a centered look, start from the middle groove and work outward. Use the included numbers and punctuation if your message needs dates or symbols. Common letters like E, A, and S run out fastest—check the package counts (e.g., 8 Es in Small set) if your message repeats them.
- 3. Insert letters into the board: Hold each letter by its edges and press it firmly into a groove until it clicks or sits flush. For Alu Letters, the metal edges are sharp—handle carefully to avoid scratches on the board surface. If a letter feels loose, try a different groove or swap it with another letter of the same character—aluminum can have slight thickness variations.
- 4. Adjust spacing and alignment: Step back and check that letters are straight and evenly spaced. Use a ruler or the board's grid lines as a guide. Tilted letters can be gently rotated with tweezers. Avoid over-tightening—aluminum can bend if forced. A slight gap between words looks intentional and improves readability.
- 5. Display and maintain your sign: Hang or stand your board in its final spot. Alu Letters are weather-resistant, but wipe them with a dry cloth if used outdoors. Swap messages seasonally or for special occasions. Store unused letters in their original box to prevent bending. The sharp edges can snag fabric, so keep them away from soft surfaces.
Product facts
- Alu Letter 50mm (Black): The Alu Letter 50mm (Black) is wire and laser cut from aluminum using Arne Jacobsen's 1937 typography, making each letter unique. This gives your sign a distinctive vintage-industrial look that stands out from standard plastic letters.
Alu Letter 50mm (Black) - Small letters and numbers: The Small letters and numbers package contains 132 pieces (1.9 cm tall) with a sharp-edged design for a graphic appearance. It's a cost-effective way to build multi-word messages on small to medium boards without running out of common letters.
Small letters and numbers - Large letters and numbers: The Large letters and numbers package contains 159 pieces (5 cm tall) with the same sharp-edged design. Use this set for prominent signs where readability from a distance matters, such as above a doorway or on a mantle.
